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2005 Chevrolet Cobalt

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,407 reports with mileage · 242 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 1,143 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 323 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

97 crash reports12 fire reports57 injury reports

Suspension complaints

47 reports
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65,000 miles · Jul 21, 2009
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FAILING. SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH AFFECTED THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN HER VEHICLE TO OTHER MECHANICS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CO…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FAILING. SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH AFFECTED THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN HER VEHICLE TO OTHER MECHANICS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SHE BELIEVES THAT THE MECHANICS ARE TRYING TO GET OVER ON HER. THE VEHICLE WILL EVENTUALLY BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #10277555

72,100 miles · Jun 18, 2009
SteeringSuspension

I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT, AND ABOUT A MONTH AGO I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD WHEN MY "POWER STEERING" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON MY DASHBOARD STATING IT HAD SHUTOFF. THIS THEN LEAD TO MY CAR TRYING TO SHUT ITSELF OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD GOING 55 MILES PER HOUR. THE GAUGES WERE FLASHING, RADIO WAS FLASHING, THE CA…

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I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT, AND ABOUT A MONTH AGO I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD WHEN MY "POWER STEERING" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON MY DASHBOARD STATING IT HAD SHUTOFF. THIS THEN LEAD TO MY CAR TRYING TO SHUT ITSELF OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD GOING 55 MILES PER HOUR. THE GAUGES WERE FLASHING, RADIO WAS FLASHING, THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS AND WAS ROCKING BACK AND FORTH, AND I COULDN'T REALLY STEER THE CAR. AFTER I WAS ABLE TO GET IT UNDER CONTROL AND STOPPED AND SHUTOFF IT SEEMED TO RESET THE SYSTEM AND I HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL A FEW DAYS AGO. I WAS DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE DURING RUSH HOUR WHILE GOING ABOUT 80 MILES PER HOUR, AND THE SITUATION HAPPENED AGAIN EXCEPT I WAS NEARLY IN A COLLISION WITH SEMI TRUCK TRAILERS, IT TOOK ALL I HAD TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING. THIS SCARED ME TO DEATH. THIS TIME THE SYSTEM DID NOT RESET , BUT I WAS ABLE TO LIMP IT TO THE CHEVY DEALER NEAR MY APARTMENT. COME TO FIND OUT IT WAS THE :BODY CONTROL MODULE" THAT WAS BAD. IT COST ME $508 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS ONE ISSUE. TWO WEEKS AGO I HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR A LOWER LEFT FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHING THAT WAS BAD, AND ALSO THE SHIFTER SOLENOID WAS BAD, AND I HAD SPENT NEARLY $1100 FOR ALL OF THOSE SAFETY ISSUES AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10274218

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2008
Suspension

HORRIBLE RATTLING NOISES IN THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. I HEAR RATTLING FROM EVERY DIRECTION. IT IS A VERY BUMPY AND NOISY RIDE. NOT WORTH THE MONEY I PAID. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10247094

21,833 miles · Oct 11, 2008
Suspension

CAR HAS LESS THAN 20,000 MILES AND HAVE FAILURE OF THE BUSHING THE RIGHT SIDE IS A TOTAL FAILURE BAD ENOUGH THEY SAID NOT TO DRIVE IT AND THE LEFT IS ABOUT READY TO FAIL ALSO WE'RE HAVING THEM REPLACED AND THE FRONT END REALIGNED BUT WE'RE ON A LIMITED ROAD ISLAND AND THERE ARE 7 OTHER COBALTS HERE THAT ARE ALL HAVING THE SAME…

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CAR HAS LESS THAN 20,000 MILES AND HAVE FAILURE OF THE BUSHING THE RIGHT SIDE IS A TOTAL FAILURE BAD ENOUGH THEY SAID NOT TO DRIVE IT AND THE LEFT IS ABOUT READY TO FAIL ALSO WE'RE HAVING THEM REPLACED AND THE FRONT END REALIGNED BUT WE'RE ON A LIMITED ROAD ISLAND AND THERE ARE 7 OTHER COBALTS HERE THAT ARE ALL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS IS THIS SOMETHING LOCALLY HERE OR HAPPENING NATIONWIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10245157

62,000 miles · Jun 11, 2008
Suspension

FEELS LIKE AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. RATTLING FRONT END NOISE FOR A FEW MONTHS AND WITH MY 60K MI CHECK UP IT'S DISCOVERED THAT I NEED 2 LOWER CONTROL ARMS (THE BUSHINGS ARE GONE) AND NEED TO REPLACE THE FRONT STRUTS AND REAR SHOCKS AS THEY ARE LEAKING. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED A CHEVROLET AND FIND THIS APPALLING. MY COBALT I…

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FEELS LIKE AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. RATTLING FRONT END NOISE FOR A FEW MONTHS AND WITH MY 60K MI CHECK UP IT'S DISCOVERED THAT I NEED 2 LOWER CONTROL ARMS (THE BUSHINGS ARE GONE) AND NEED TO REPLACE THE FRONT STRUTS AND REAR SHOCKS AS THEY ARE LEAKING. I HAVE ALWAYS OWNED A CHEVROLET AND FIND THIS APPALLING. MY COBALT IS ONLY 3 YRS OLD AND NEEDS TO REPLACE MAJOR EQUIPMENT. I HAD AN OLD CHEVY AND NEVER HAD TO SEE A REPLACEMENT LIKE THIS UNTIL I HAD OVER 100K MI ON THE VEHICLE. I CANNOT FIND ANY RECALLS ON THESE PARTS, BUT SEE MANY COMPLAINTS. EVEN THE DEALERSHIP THOUGHT I SHOULD GET RID OF THE CAR??????? GIVEN THE CURRENT TIMES, WHO COULD AFFORD THAT. SO NOW I AM LOOKING AT AN ESTIMATE OF $1821.40 TO FIX THIS. WHEN IS GM GOING TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10230573

28,000 miles · Jun 4, 2008
Suspension

LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING NEED TO BE REPLACED AT 28,000 MILES AT A COST OF $250. VEHICLE IS JUST 4 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY. SAME PROBLEM WITH FRIEND'S COBALT AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229884

41,000 miles · Mar 6, 2008
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN HEARING A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE INTENSIFIED AS THE SPEED INCREASED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TWO FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE FAULTY AND THE RIMS O…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN HEARING A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE INTENSIFIED AS THE SPEED INCREASED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TWO FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE FAULTY AND THE RIMS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE BENT. THE FACTORY PAID FOR ONE OF THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE SECOND ONE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #10220244

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2008
Suspension

I BOUGHT MY 2005 COBALT IN JUNE OF '05. HAD NUMBEROUS PROBLEMS WITH IT BUT THE ONE I'D LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSHINGS. I REPLACED 'BAD' ONES IN JUNE OF 2007 AND HAVE TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN. I DO NOT FEEL AS THOUGH THIS SHOULD BE NECESSARY. ANY INFORMATION ON THESE? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10215655

35,200 miles · Jan 6, 2008
Suspension

(2( BOLTS THAT HOLD THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE OR CAME LOOSE AND FELL OUT CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10213964

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2007
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

SEVERE STEERING AND BRAKING PROBLEMS. MECHANICS CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. A LOT OF TIMES, ON THE HIGHWAY OR AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 40 MPH THE STEERING STARTS TO SHUDDER AND MAKE A MACHINE GUN NOISE WITH EACH RATTLE. THE RATTLING SLOWS DOWN AS THE SPEED SLOWS DOWN. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHERE I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE IT FELT LI…

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SEVERE STEERING AND BRAKING PROBLEMS. MECHANICS CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. A LOT OF TIMES, ON THE HIGHWAY OR AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 40 MPH THE STEERING STARTS TO SHUDDER AND MAKE A MACHINE GUN NOISE WITH EACH RATTLE. THE RATTLING SLOWS DOWN AS THE SPEED SLOWS DOWN. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHERE I HAD TO PULL OVER BECAUSE IT FELT LIKE A FLAT TIRE, ONLY TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND INSPECT THE CAR AND SEE THAT THE TIRES WERE FINE. THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING IT. WHEN BRAKING WHILE GOING AT SPEEDS 40 MPH OR HIGHER THE BRAKE GETS SOFT AND MUSHY FEELING, AND DOESN'T APPEAR TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN ENOUGH, AND THE SHUDDER STARTS IN THE STEERING WHEEL AGAIN WITH THE RAT-A-TAT SOUND FOR EVERY SHUDDER. I BROUGHT THIS CAR TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE MECHANICS COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO DO THE SAME FOR THEM. THE LAST TIME, ONE OF THE STAFF MEMBERS MENTIONED THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING/SUSPENSION SYSTEM ,AND THAT GM WAS TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT. RECENTLY, I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A BRAKE CHECK AT ANOTHER SHOP - THE MECHANIC SAID THE BRAKES WERE FINE, NOTHING' WAS WRONG WITH THEM, BUT THE CAR STILL DID ITS SHUDDERING. I' HAD TWO FRONT END ALIGNMENTS, AND ROTATION OF WHEELS, STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT ONE OF THESE DAYS THE SHUDDERING IS GOING TO CAUSE A POTENTIALLY FATAL PROBLEM, WHEN THE BRAKES, STEERING OR SUSPENSION GO OUT. I ALSO NOTICED ON 6 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON JUST FOR A SECOND. IT'S NEVER STAYED ON, AND IT DIDN'T COME ON DURING THE SHUDDERING MOMENTS. THE CAR STALLED A COUPLE TIMES, BUT THEY WERE SO FAR AND FEW BETWEEN. THE BACK LIGHT ON DASHWAS HARD TO READ WHEN HEADLIGHTS WERE AUTOMATICALLY ON DURING THE DAY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10196722

Official recalls

5

14V171000 · Electrical System:ignition

Apr 10, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

14V047000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch

Feb 10, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Electrical System:ignition:switch

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

10V073000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Mar 3, 2010

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 CHEVROLET COBALT AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 PONTIAC G5 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING. THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF POWER STEERING ASSIST IS LOST, IT WOULD REQUIRE GREATER DRIVER EFFORT AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS ARE BEING NOTIFIED ON A ROLLING BASIS BETWEEN MARCH 29 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2010. A COPY OF THE MAILING SCHEDULE IS LOCATED IN THE RECALL FILE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

07V014000 · Structure

Jan 18, 2007

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF-MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, 'OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT.'

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN A CRASH, HEAD IMPACT PROTECTION MAY BE INADEQUATE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ENERGY ABSORBING PLASTIC TO THE HEADLINER TRIM TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF HEAD IMPACTS IN A CRASH. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

04V560000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Nov 22, 2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE BULB SHIELDS INSIDE OF THE HEADLAMPS CAN LOOSEN DUE TO VIBRATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE BULB SHIELD CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK BECAUSE OF VIBRATION. IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HEADLAMP INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, ONCOMING DRIVERS MAY NOTICE ADDITIONAL GLARE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE10005 · Electric Power Steering Failure

Opened Jan 27, 2010 · Closed Jul 19, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System

In a March 1, 2010 letter, General Motors Corporation (GM) provided a defect information report to NHTSA regarding a problem that could result in sudden loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and MY 2007 through 2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS).The letter indicates that the loss of steering assist could occur at any time while driving and that, once assist is lost, a message is displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC) and a chime sounds to inform the driver.The letter further states that steering control is maintained in manual mode, but would require greater driver effort at low vehicle speeds.In the next ignition cycle, power assist is typically regained and the DIC message is no longer displayed.GM's letter identifies the root cause of the EPS failure as the EPS motor and indicates that production of a new motor started in December 2009.GM's recall repair procedure instructs dealers to replace the EPS motor in all recalled vehicles. ODI's analysis of all information available related to sudden loss of EPS assist while driving in the MY 2005 through 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles shows current complaint and warranty rates of 323/100,000 vehicles and 0.4% respectively.In response to ODI's request for information, GM identified 81 complaints where a crash was claimed that may be related to loss of EPS assist.ODI's analysis of all crash claims was based on verifiable factors such as; whether a loss of EPS was indicated at the time of the crash by a chime or malfunction indicator lamp or if a EPS related component malfunction was identified after the crash occurred.With this method ODI identified 36 possible crashes related to EPS failure.GM assessed crash claims based on the available facts and excluded crash claims that indicated that the vehicle was travelling at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater.GM said that it believes if power assist is lost while a vehicle is moving at speeds in the range of 30 mph or greater there is a small difference in steering efforts perceived in subjective evaluations at those speeds and it is unlikely to lead to loss of vehicle control. Based on GM's safety recall, this investigation is closed.